Magic Mountain’s Colossus roller coaster closing in August

Colossus, the hulking wooden roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia that was once billed as the tallest in the world and featured in movies and television, is slated to end its run in August, officials said Tuesday.

Park officials would not elaborate on why it was being shut down, but banners around the theme park in Valencia announced its end to visitors.

“Colossus, the king of wooden coasters, ends its 36-year reign on August 16,” according to a statement from the park. “Six Flags Magic Mountain will announce exciting future plans for the park we think our guests will love at a later date. In the meantime, don’t miss your last chance to ride Colossus.”

The popular ride opened in 1978 and was considered one of the tallest and fastest wooden roller coasters in the world. It features two identical side-by-side tracks, runs at 62 mph, is 13 stories tall and offers a pair of drops greater than 100 feet, according to Magic Mountain and published reports.

An accident in which a young woman died on the ride just after it opened prompted its closure for a year, and the trains were replaced, among other adjustments

In the 1983 comedy, “National Lampoon’s Vacation”, Colossus was seen by viewers as part of Walley World, the fictional amusement park that became the obsessive quest of Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase. It was also seen on episodes of “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” “Knight Rider,” “Wonder Woman,” and “The A-Team.”

The coaster was designed by Bernards Construction, based in the city of San Fernando. It cost $7 million to build.

One side of the ride is currently running backward. That will last until June 15, and it will resume running forward until it closes.